Throughout the Gospels, there are many instances of Jesus referring to money and the way we use, rather, misuse it. He seems to really drive home the point that this money really isn’t ours. Everything we’ve been given, from the hair on our heads to the moths in our wallets (or those twenties we’re actually hiding…) is a gift from God. Because of that, it is our duty to use all we’ve been given to glorify Him. Right? I don’t know. That seems tough. I’m just as guilty as the next person when it comes to liking the luxuries in my life and well, enjoying money. I think the thing Jesus was trying to get across to us though wasn’t that money was evil, just that it needed to be used to glorify God. Kind of like what it says in 1 Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. See, money itself is not evil. It’s only bad if it’s causing us to lose sight of God. Listen to this story from the Gospel of Matthew and hear Jesus’ take on it.
Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man inquired.
Jesus replied, ” ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.‘”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.“ Matthew 19: 16-24
If you’re anything like me, when you read that passage (or the first time you read it), you probably thought, ouch! That hurts Jesus! But seriously, it’s true! Money is simply a worldly possession and if you’re not willing to give that over to God, you’re not ready to be with Him in His kingdom. It’s as simple as that. We are called to be stewards of this gift God has given to us. As Jesus says in Luke 16:11, “If you cannot be trusted with worldly riches, then who will trust you with true riches?” Think about that. God is trusting you with His money and He’s trusting you to use it in a way that will bring glory and spread His kingdom here on Earth. Are you doing that?
I bring all of this up because I am still in need of funds, my friends. I am not begging or pleading, rather, asking that you evaluate the way you spend your money and see whether you may have a bit to spare to help me in my missions. Together, we can and will spread His kingdom!
